Russian firm to name alcoholic drink after Gaddafi

Moscow, Nov 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian company is going to produce and sell an alcoholic drink in Russia named after Libya’s slain leader Muammar Gaddafi, a media report said Wednesday.

The company, a subsidiary of Rusimport, Russia’s largest producer and importer of liqueurs and vodka, has filed an application for the registration of the Commendatore Muammar trademark to the national patent service Rospatent, KommersantFM radio said.

Alexandrovy Pogreba (Alexandr’s Cellars) representatives denied official comments but have not dismissed the information.

The company already produces wine, vodka and liqueurs under the Commendatore trademark. The trademark’s image features Cuban Revolutionary leader Che Guevera.

Retailers frequently use the names and images of famous political figures to promote alcoholic beverages.

In 2003, Putinka vodka, named after Russia’s powerful then-president Vladimir Putin, was launched on the Russian market. A year later, Putinka became Russia’s best-selling vodka.